Congratulations to Connecticut’s Newest DE- Carmen Luna, Mutual Security Credit Union

"Having now completed the program, I can confidently say it was a truly transformative experience that enhanced my knowledge, strengthened my professional skills, and provided insights that will influence my work for years to come.

What an incredible experience it was to be part of the September 2026 DE Class, truly the best class ever. I arrived not knowing what to expect and left with a much deeper understanding of the credit union movement and the purpose behind the work we do every day.

We began the week as a group of strangers, yet within just a few hours it felt as though we had become family. The friendships and connections formed throughout the experience are ones I know will last a lifetime.

As someone relatively new to the credit union movement, with only two years of experience, this journey was transformative not only professionally but personally as well. The conversations challenged me to think beyond the surface, embrace new perspectives, and step outside my comfort zone.

DE was filled with learning, collaboration, team building, and moments of genuine emotion, all culminating in a final project that brought the week's lessons together in a meaningful way. What became abundantly clear was that we were all there with a shared purpose: to bring what we learned back to our credit unions and continue improving the financial well-being of our members, employees, and communities."

The relationships I built, combined with the guidance of exceptional leaders and mentors, made this an experience I will never forget. Every activity was thoughtfully planned and intentionally designed, with each day building upon the last to create a powerful and meaningful journey.

One of the most significant takeaways for me was gaining a deeper understanding of the philosophy of People Helping People. Within the credit union movement, we hear those words often, but this experience reinforced that they extend far beyond financial services. They represent a commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and helping others achieve success.

In the end, DE was much more than a week of learning. It was a powerful reminder of who we are, why we do what we do, and how each of us plays a role in advancing the credit union movement. It reinforced my commitment to the principle of People Helping People and the responsibility we all share to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

The September 2026 DE experience will stay with me for years to come. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the inspiration gained. I leave this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and an even stronger commitment to serving our members, supporting our communities, and advancing the mission of the credit union movement.

Thank you for investing in the growth and development of credit union professionals. Your generosity made this opportunity possible, and I am sincerely grateful for the experience. Thank you again for your commitment to advancing the credit union movement and for empowering individuals like me to continue making a difference in our organizations and communities."

Carmen Luna

Mutual Security Credit Union